Julio Jones misses second straight practice with Falcons

Julio Jones has been battling an illness in advance of the Cleveland Browns' game.

According AtlantaFalcons.com, Julio Jones missed Wednesday’s practice due to an unknown illness. Unfortunately, Jones was unable to practice on Thursday, as well. It’s the second straight day of missed work, and the sickness maybe infiltrating the rest of the Falcons’ team.

According to the Atlanta Falcons twitter page, Steven Jackson and Pat DiMarco also missed Thursday’s practice with an illness. Although Julio Jones is not expected to be out long, his preparation for the Cleveland Browns needs to rev up in the coming days. Best case scenario, Jones will be back at practice on Friday in great condition. After Wednesday’s session, Mike Smith said that “he hopes Jones is just battling a 24-hour bug, however, it’s looking like it’s a two day illness.

In 2014, Jones has had a phenomenal bounce back season. So far, he has grabbed 67 passes for 912 yards. However, Julio Jones only has three touchdown receptions this season. With the Falcons finally back in the NFC South division race, it’s time for Jones to be an even bigger factor down the stretch.

The Falcons are on a two game winning streak, and their four wins are enough to be in first place of the NFC South. However, Atlanta hasn’t won a game outside of the division this season. That’s why they need their best players to be at 100 percent for Sunday’s game.

In other injury news, cornerback Robert Alford continued to be sidelined with a wrist injury, while Harry Douglas has been nursing a foot injury since the first month of the season. Barring any setbacks, Douglas will be in the Falcons’ lineup on Sunday.